Free Sunshine not part of Energy Strategy

Free Sunshine not part of Energy Strategy

Press Release from the New Zealand Photovoltaic Association 27 September 2000

"The guts of the Strategy have been thrown out. The lower renewable energy target of 25 PJ means a reduction in the proportion of renewable energy being used in New Zealand. This "going backwards" target is completely unacceptable. How can this be called a strategy to promote renewable energy?" asks Dr Bittar, chairman of the New Zealand Photovoltaic Association (NZPVA). NZPVA is a new industry association supporting companies with market and development issues for solar electricity systems in New Zealand.

"The only mention of helping people to use more solar energy is that more studies will be completed over the next two years" said Dr Bittar. . "We expected clear leadership and real measures to help the "progressive transition" to a more sustainable energy system for New Zealand."

"While there are significant grants available for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems in other countries, like Australia, our Association was not expecting the Strategy to deliver more than a small degree of support in New Zealand"

"BUT solar water heating - a mature and economic solar energy technology which could make a serious contribution towards averting a hydro electricity shortage next winter - has been relegated to the 'needs another study over the next few years' basket."

"NZPVA applauded the Government's announcement that New Zealand would ratify the Kyoto Protocol next year. But this Strategy means that ratification will have a very hollow ring to many sustainable energy watchers around the world. Achieving New Zealand's greenhouse gas emission target has just become very much harder and may become even more expensive as time for action slips by" concluded Mr Bittar.

ENDS

For more information contact: Tony Bittar, 025 805 612 Or Ian Shearer, Secretary, NZ Photovoltaic Association, 025 306 004

-- Ian Shearer Secretary New Zealand Photovoltaic Association P O Box 576 Wellington, New Zealand Phone: +64-4-586 2003 Fax: +64-4-586 2004 Mobile 025 306 004 Email: shearer@express.co.nz

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